It is common to see crashed cars and erratic driving on Qatar’s main roads. This photo gallery, relying on preliminary statistics provided by the Ministry of Interior’s Traffic Department and Qatar’s Statistics Authority, shows what is happening on Qatar’s risky roads.

Qatar recently won the 2022 World Cup bid, one of the most lucrative tourism deals a country can acquire. Among many of the issues it needs to address before hosting the prestigious tournament is its dangerous roads.

It’s been called the neglected epidemic: people losing their lives in traffic accidents. Statistics show that 18.5 percent of the deaths in Qatar are a result of traffic accidents and in 2010 alone, 226 people lost their lives.

About This Project

Written, produced and run by 11 Northwestern University in Qatar journalism
students, Qatar Behind the Wheel provides a comprehensive look at the nation’s dangerous roads.

Much has been said about Qatar’s road accident record. In recent years, Qatar’s high accident rates have caught the international community’s attention, instigating discussions among traffic experts and drivers.

Qatar has invested heavily in road safety awareness programs. Many local organizations, such as the National Campaign for Road Accidents Prevention, have held events to promote safety among Qatar’s youth.